Stories
September 7, 2026 • 4 min read
On 24 June, Venezuela’s northern coast was hit by two devastating earthquakes just 40 seconds apart, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, respectively. Considered the most severe seismic event reported in the country in the last 100 years, the disaster left thousands of people in need of immediate humanitarian assistance.
Severe damage was reported across the north-central region, particularly in Caracas and the states of La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo, Yaracuy, and Falcón.
Damage to critical infrastructure and disruptions to drinking water and electricity supplies, along with the displacement of families to more than 100 temporary camps and informal settlements, have created significant humanitarian needs.
In response, GOAL’s emergency team and local partner organisations have been providing medical care, psychosocial support, and essential supplies to communities most affected by the earthquakes.
Communities across La Guaira State were among those affected by the earthquakes.
The Impact on Communities
In the weeks after the earthquakes, continued aftershocks and disruptions to basic services have left thousands of families living in difficult and overcrowded conditions.
Rapid needs assessments carried out by GOAL and its partners across dozens of communities found that the total or partial loss of homes forced many families to seek shelter in temporary structures, sports grounds and other locations that may not provide adequate protection. Damage to drinking water systems has also increased the risk of infectious and skin diseases.
At the same time, the emotional impact of the earthquakes and continued aftershocks has increased the need for psychological first aid and mental health support, particularly for children, pregnant women and older people.
GOAL’s Response
Following the earthquakes, GOAL launched an immediate emergency response, working with local partners, including SUMA Foundation, Acción Solidaria and CONVITE, with support from international donors, including Irish Aid.
Together, teams have been working to reach communities with some of the most urgent needs by:
- Setting up mobile clinics across Carabobo, La Guaira, Aragua, the Capital District, and Yaracuy, providing general medicine, paediatric, gynaecological, and pulmonology consultations, screening for diseases such as HIV and syphilis, and distributing essential medicines.
- Creating community and group care spaces for children and adults, providing psychological first aid and emotional support for post-traumatic stress.
- Distributing shelter kits, blankets, mosquito nets, kitchen utensils, reinforced tarps, hygiene supplies and drinking water to help families meet immediate needs and reduce public health risks.
- Coordinating within the framework of the United Nations System (OCHA), the Health Cluster, and local authorities to ensure a neutral, independent, and impartial humanitarian response.
Through this response, and with the support of international funding, more than 4,400 medical consultations and psychosocial support services have been provided to children and adults affected by the earthquakes.
Humanitarian supplies provided by the Government of Ireland through Irish Aid have also enabled GOAL and its partners to distribute shelter and kitchen kits to families affected by the emergency.
GOAL team conducting a needs assessment following the emergency in the affected states.
Stories of Resilience and Health Care
Ana, who lives in the Samala neighbourhood of Morón in Carabobo State, was asleep when the earthquakes struck. The experience left her shaken, and continued aftershocks have added to the distress she has experienced since.
“The care I received from GOAL was very good; the doctors were great. I was seen in the gynaecology department—the care was excellent,” she says after receiving care at one of the mobile clinics.
Ana is also receiving psychosocial support to help her cope with the emotional impact of the earthquakes and continued aftershocks.
Ana receiving specialised care at a mobile health clinic.
Leticia de Martínez was returning home after celebrating the festivities of St John the Baptist in the parish of Caraballeda when the earthquakes struck. Her home sustained structural cracks, while the experience left her family emotionally shaken.
“I think GOAL’s contribution is important—the care is excellent. Once the medical exam is done, you have the results the doctor provides. GOAL’s help is important,” she says.
Psychosocial care to help cope with the emergency has been a great help to Leticia.
As part of the emergency response, the mobile clinic in Bosque Lindo, Aragua State, established in partnership with Fundación SUMA, continues to provide essential healthcare to families affected by the earthquakes.
During one consultation, the team cared for a woman who was six months pregnant and attending her first medical check-up. After examining her, the medical team confirmed that her pregnancy was progressing well and shared the news that she was expecting a baby boy.
Moments like this are part of a broader response to help families access essential care and support in the aftermath of the earthquakes. Through mobile medical care, psychosocial support and the distribution of essential supplies, GOAL and its partners continue to support communities as they recover.
